Breathing Problems and Their Causes
Breathing – it’s such an automatic process and a basic function that we usually don’t even think about it. But if we experience serious breathing problems, our lives can change in countless ways. We can suffer from fatigue and pain, our working lives may be affected, and we may need to limit physical activity, including exercise.
Shortness of breath and other breathing problems are often caused by lung issues including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Breathing problems can also be caused by heart-related concerns including:
- Heart failure
- Heart valve issues
- Infections of the heart
- Congenital heart conditions
- Other problems of the heart muscle
Breathing issues can even be an advance sign of a heart attack.
What to Do About Shortness of Breath
If you feel like you can’t get enough air or that you get easily “winded,” needing to catch your breath while doing everyday tasks, you’re experiencing shortness of breath. And, while healthy people who exercise too strenuously or go to high altitudes can experience labored breathing at times, true shortness of breath can be symptomatic of a serious health issue and should be checked by a doctor.
If you often experience shortness of breath, it’s important to schedule a full physical exam with your doctor. He or she may order certain tests or have you see a specialist. If there is cardiovascular involvement, that specialist will probably be a cardiologist like the doctors at Manhattan Cardiology.
Located on the east side of Manhattan at 51st Street and Third Avenue, Manhattan Cardiology offers world-class heart and vascular care and treatment. The board-certified doctors of Manhattan Cardiology will conduct a complete evaluation to diagnose the reason you’re having shortness of breath. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, they will provide a plan of treatment that can help you on your path back to good health. If you’d like an appointment, you can call Manhattan Cardiology at 212-906-7798 or visit www.manhattancardiology.com.
